There is something uniquely inviting about a produce department when it has a big, beautiful display of mangos at its threshold. It implies quality, differentiation, and thoughtfulness, words I associate with Freska Produce International. With decades steeped in the mango category, the company’s organic program has grown exponentially since its introduction in 2016. As the Organic Produce Summit is only a day away, Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, joined me to preview the message Freska will be sharing with attendees: Think Organic Mangos, Think Freska.

If updates on the California avocado season are what you seek, look no further. AndNowUKnow recently took a dive into the staple category, tapping Freska Produce International’s Gary Clevenger for some exclusive insights.

“The quality should be very good this year due to recent rains, but volume will be on the lower side as this crop is smaller than last year. The projection is for somewhere around 208 million lbs,” Gary, Managing Partner at Freska, tells me. “Sizing should be on the larger side, with less fruit in the trees competing for nutrients.”

While there are many controllable elements with growing, packing, and shipping fresh produce, Mother Nature still reigns supreme when it comes to throwing the proverbial wrench in the machine. With the heightening demand for mangos driving consumers to the produce department and the heavy hand of challenging weather impacting supplies, Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, Freska Produce International, shares the details contributing to today's tight market.

Between football season and holiday celebrations, mangos and avocados will be on many shoppers’ lists. As one of the industry’s leading suppliers, Freska Produce International is supporting the buy-side with its high-quality supply. To get a read on the current market, I got in touch with Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner.

International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show is a time to reveal the innovations of the year, but also to look forward to what is on the horizon. For Freska Produce International, it is a milestone marking two decades of growth, category exploration, and expanding regions for a stronger supply calendar.

As a market leader in the mango category, Freska Produce International wields a portfolio brimming with retail opportunities, merchandising prowess, and an expertise coveted by many occupying the space. With August underway and the demand for mangos continuing its upward trajectory, retail partners can expect big mangos (quite literally) on the horizon with sizing up on the Keitt variety from Mexico.

Much like my alma mater, green and gold are resplendent at the Freska Produce International Southern Exposure booth. Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) annual industry gathering will take place in Orlando, Florida, and Freska will greet attendees with mangos and avocados galore.

As a born and raised Californian, it’s no surprise that I am solidly in the avocado camp. The creamy product brings flavor and nutrition to both classic and innovative dishes. With Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl promotions in motion, I got in touch with Gary Clevenger, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Freska Produce International, to see how the avocado harvest is coming along.

Good news has hit for buyers looking to maximize mango sales! Freska Produce International has recently announced that it has certified and begun to harvest and pack in Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Mexican mango season.

When Freska Produce International began dealing in dried mangos five years ago, the supplier’s sights were set on supporting its growers’ welfare, creating value for its customers, and sustainably fulfilling its vision for the future. By using 100 percent of its growers’ fruit, Freska is accomplishing all of these goals through the dried program, and Jesus “Chuy” Loza and Gary Clevenger gave me the inside scoop.